Ethiopian Ombudsman Clarifies Role on Freedom of Information Proclamation

The Ethiopian Ombudsman has stated that the newly approved Freedom of Information Proclamation safeguards the constitutional right to request, receive, and impart information. However, the institution emphasized that it cannot intervene in complaints regarding private media outlets being barred from reporting inside parliament, as its accountability lies directly with the House of People’s Representatives.

During a media briefing on the proclamation and the institution’s activities for the fiscal year, officials highlighted the importance of the new law, which introduces penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for leaders who fail to provide information. Despite this, journalists raised concerns over restrictions on private media access to parliament, questioning the Ombudsman’s role in addressing such issues.

On May 3, 2026, private media outlets were denied entry to the House of People’s Representatives during the presentation of the Ministry of Finance’s nine‑month performance report. Earlier, on July 17, 2026, Chief Ombudsman Simeng Wubbe commented on the matter, noting:

“Since our accountability is to parliament, we do not have the authority to control parliament.”

She recalled that during public discussions on the proclamation, “many media outlets participated in the forum,” and later reported on both the passage of the law and the institution’s 11‑month performance report. “We are not sure where the gap is,” she added, stressing that only parliament itself can respond to complaints about media access.

The Ombudsman underscored that the proclamation expands constitutional guarantees by detailing citizens’ right to information. She described access to information as essential for democratic development, particularly in a country facing widespread governance challenges.

The institution also reported that it investigates administrative violations committed by government executive bodies, private institutions, and other administrative entities. In the last fiscal year alone, it received tens of thousands of complaints from the public.